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Public Interest Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal II 25-31

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have ... Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of ...

Paralegal II 26-21

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have ... Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of ...

Paralegal II 26-19

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have ... Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of ...

Paralegal II 24-49

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have ... Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of ...

Paralegal II 25-14

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have ... Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of ...

Paralegal I 25-10

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$49K - $62K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs paralegal work in researching, analyzing and monitoring the status of assigned cases ... Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of ...

Paralegal / Legal Assistant

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... the public interest to ensure the utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and ... The Paralegal / Legal Assistant coordinates all activities for case hearings and maintains ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Interest Paralegal information

See salary details

$33K

$59.7K

$89K

How much do public interest paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for public interest paralegal in the United States is $59,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public interest paralegal?

To thrive as a Public Interest Paralegal, you need a strong understanding of legal research, case preparation, and document drafting, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant undergraduate degree. Familiarity with legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is commonly required. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and a passion for advocacy help you build rapport with clients and support attorneys in serving underserved populations. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering effective legal assistance and advancing social justice in nonprofit or community-focused legal settings.

Is it hard to get into public interest law?

Public interest paralegal positions can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the work and limited openings. Candidates often need relevant legal education, strong research skills, and a commitment to social justice causes to improve their chances of entry.

What is the difference between Public Interest Paralegal vs Corporate Paralegal?

AspectPublic Interest ParalegalCorporate Paralegal
CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agenciesCorporate legal departments, law firms
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, advocacy groupsPrivate corporations, business sector
Common Search/ComparisonPublic Interest Paralegal vs Corporate Paralegal

The main difference between a Public Interest Paralegal and a Corporate Paralegal lies in their work environment and employer focus. Public Interest Paralegals typically work for nonprofits, government agencies, or advocacy groups, focusing on social justice and public policy issues. In contrast, Corporate Paralegals are employed by private corporations or law firms, supporting business operations and corporate legal matters. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different sectors and client bases.

What are some common challenges faced by public interest paralegals, and how can they be navigated?

Public interest paralegals often work with limited resources and high caseloads, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. They may also encounter emotionally demanding situations when assisting underserved or vulnerable clients. To navigate these challenges, paralegals benefit from strong organizational skills, support from a collaborative legal team, and consistent self-care practices. Open communication with supervising attorneys and participating in professional development opportunities can also help manage workload and maintain job satisfaction.

What is a public interest paralegal?

Public interest paralegals are legal professionals who assist attorneys and organizations in providing legal services to underserved or marginalized communities. They typically work for nonprofit organizations, legal aid societies, or government agencies focused on social justice issues like housing, immigration, or civil rights. Their duties include conducting legal research, preparing documents, interviewing clients, and supporting cases that aim to benefit the public good. Public interest paralegals play a vital role in increasing access to legal representation and promoting fairness in the legal system.
More about Public Interest Paralegal jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Interest Paralegal jobs? Cities with the most Public Interest Paralegal job openings:
What states have the most Public Interest Paralegal jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Interest Paralegal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Interest Paralegal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Interest Paralegal jobs are:
Infographic showing various Public Interest Paralegal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,731 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Paralegal II 25-31

Illinois Attorney General

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary : $57,192.00 - $70,128.00 Annually
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-31
Administration: Deputy Chief - Administration
Bureau: Criminal Appeals Division
Opening Date: 07/14/2025
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
Provides paraprofessional support and enhances attorney effectiveness by providing information; independently conducting extensive research, investigations, and compliance reviews; and preparing in-depth legal documents at the direction of an attorney. Obtains information by contacting witnesses, attorneys, claimants, and others; developing questions; reviewing files and documents; and conducting legal and factual research. Provides information by answering questions and requests; serving as a resource in areas of general and/or specialized knowledge; attending meetings; assisting in preparation of public education materials. Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information, using independent judgement in the analysis, preparation and summarization of legal documents and/or pleadings. Provides support to attorneys by preparing case docket; coordinating preparation of reports; analyzing data; identifying solutions; identifying deficiencies; explaining remedies through correspondence and written instruction; clarifying customer complaints; expediting correction or adjustment; following up to ensure resolution; reviewing additional submissions or materials for completion; preparing exhibits; preparing subpoenas; preparing witnesses for testimony; preparing trial briefs and other legal memos; preparing motions; preparing jury instructions; and preparing summons and complaints. Complies with federal/state/local legal requirements by reviewing and evaluating documentation, contracts, and financial statements; enforcing adherence to requirements; and studying existing and new legislation/rules. Provides recommendations by reviewing and evaluating applications; analyzing programs and services; verifying documentation; studying performance requirements; analyzing and evaluating evidence; keeping abreast of trends; and maintaining historical context. Processes claims/registrations by reviewing data for deficiencies; resolving discrepancies by using standard procedures or returning incomplete documents to team leader for resolution. Completes research projects by establishing project objective; designing and developing mathematical, statistical, and other models; determining data collection methods; directing the collection of data; synthesizing data; interpreting results. Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops and educational seminars; reviewing appropriate publications. Trains and/or assists in the training of other paralegals; accomplishing related results in a cooperative and collaborative manner.
Qualifications
Requires at least an Associate Degree (Bachelor Degree preferred) in business law or legal studies, or related field, or completion of an A.B.A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have served satisfactorily as a paralegal in the OAG for at least two (2) years or an equivalent combination of training education and experience. Lexis and Internet research skills preferred. Familiarity with law library resources essential. Ability to communicate effectively; excellent verbal and written skills required; evaluate and interpret contracts, financial statements, and other complex documentation; and work within budgetary constraints needed. Minimal typing may be required. Word Processing skills required. Attendance is an essential function of this position. Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with other employees and the general public required.
Supplemental Information
Position requires in office attendance.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
As an employee of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you'll have access to many great benefits. Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of Illinois!
  • Health and Dental insurance along with free Vision insurance*
  • Pension Benefits through the State Employees'; Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation: supplemental retirement savings program-457k
  • Commuter Savings Program: pre-tax transportation program
  • Flexible Spending: Medical and Dependent pre-tax savings program
  • Life insurance benefit: free with option to purchase additional (up to 8 x your annual salary) at low cost. Spouse and child life insurance available
  • Disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych
  • Holidays: 13 1/2 paid
  • Vacation days: minimum of 12 days, maximum of 27 days, prorated
  • Personal days: 4 annually
  • Floating Holiday: 1 annually
  • Sick days: 1 per month
  • For attorneys, office provided Continuing Legal Education
  • Semi-monthly payroll

*Health and Dental cost ranges: for single: $131.00 - $314.00 monthly; for family: $299.00 - $653.00 monthly
For more information on benefits: